How did radical Islam become a legitimate threat in sub-Saharan Africa?

Should we care? Perhaps, because one possible reason stretches beyond the African continent. It may eminate from our own houses of worship.

After the recent shopping mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya by the Muslim terrorist group Al Shabaab, counterterrorism experts fear increased collaboration among the growing ranks of religious radicals in Africa operating across borders in vast, poorly-policed regions.

While terrorism experts are concerned with expanding radicalized Islam, my own leadership role in the Christian community has me preoccupied with how historically Christian areas and formerly majority-Christian countries are now under constant threat from al-Shabaab, Boko Haram and al-Qaeda in the Islam Maghreb.

It’s too soon to declare African Christianity dead, but it’s certainly ailing — and the West is to blame.

Christians went to great lengths to “civilize” Africa, and part and parcel of that process was bringing Christianity to sub-Saharan Africa. But since then, the Church of England and the Episcopal Church in the U.S. ostensibly have abandoned proselytizing in Africa. Most mainstream Western Christian denominations, in fact, now look with disdain on those still adhering to the very same faith churches once taught.

The Episcopal Church, for example, no longer adheres to the doctrine of the Bible as the inspired word of God. The Western evangelical church in particular proclaims an overly-feminized form of Christianity in which men cannot act as men and women assert a theology that gives them dominion over men. This “enlightened” West no longer honors the God-given roles and distinctions between men and women. Actually, it demonizes them. This is why Christianity lost its appeal in, and it’s hold on, Africa.

The Western church no longer builds up men for the Body of Christ. When the church prefers to place women in masculine roles, while discouraging men, the blessings of God vanish and it creates a vacuum. When the Christian ministry becomes an occupation for those liking pretty buildings and beautiful vestments rather than a vocation to serve God, it’s no wonder serious Christians scoff and look elsewhere.

The Christian church in Africa and around the world has left a gap that Islam is filling.
Men clearly need the civilizing influence of women, but they also must remain men. The church is too involved in a feminizing process. Wanting to love and serve God should not be at the expense of God-given manhood. I am an unapologetic Christian, but I know that nothing in Islam requires or expects men to deny their manhood. Islam does quite the opposite — encouraging separate manhood and womanhood.

Almost 100 years ago, English writer and lay theologian G.K. Chesterton said that most men in his day were reduced to Victorian lapdogs when it came to Christianity. What might he say today? There are now Christians who change the word of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer to “Our Father and Mother who art in heaven” and the nature of Jesus in the Holy Trinity. Is there little wonder why there aren’t more men in church and why men seeking God might turn away from modern Western Christianity?

Why would a man want to be part of a faith in which they are to be seen and never heard? Couple this with the general depiction of Christ as sort of a pansy with well-manicured nails and a perfectly-trimmed beard. It is not is no surprise men are uncomfortable with this, and subsequently are unwilling to become churchmen.

In my lifetime, Ethiopia, one of the most storied Christian nations, took the path of India. Once majority-Christian, it is now divided into Eritrea, which is majority Muslim, and Ethiopia, which may be at least half-Muslim.

If people are genuinely concerned about the spread of Islam and subsequent radicalization, they should consider the Christianity they practice and teach. Pastors no longer proclaim the Gospel, but instead favor of gay marriage or the prevailing populous cause de jure.

Don’t worry about Islam. The imams are doing their job. It’s the pastors and priests who aren’t doing theirs.

Archbishop Council Nedd II, a member of the national advisory council of the Project 21 black leadership network. He is the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Missionary Church in the United States and the Archbishop of Abu Dhabi.

In regards to the controversy surrounding the building of a mosque and cultural center two blocks away from the site of Ground Zero, America has a golden opportunity to lead in the march towards religious tolerance between two of the worlds great religions. First, allow the mosque to be built. If it’s short of the needed funding, then the federal government must make up the difference to get it done.

Then Americans should propose that a church and synagogue be built in Saudia Arabia, two blocks away from the home of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) in Mecca. We are continually being told that the 911 highjackers don’t represent true Islam, which is a religion of peace. We are told that the vast majority of the 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide are “moderates” and tolerant of other religions. The Prophet himself referred to Christians and Jews, along with his followers, as “People of the Book” and He offered them protection with these treaties: Jews and Christians. The Qur’an itself states: “And do not dispute with the followers of the Book except by what is best, except those of them who act unjustly, and say: We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you, and our God and your God is One, and to Him do we submit.” Qur’an 29:46.

On the same site, a memorial could also be built to honor the American (and other “coalition”) soldiers, who have died over the years defending Arab/Muslim interests in the region, as well as Christian missionaries and aid wrokers who are being murdered in Muslim countries by extremists, like the 10 recently killed in Afghanistan by the Taliban, who were providing free medical services to the local population.

These structures within New York and Mecca would prove definitely that the America is not at war with Islam and that Islam is not at war with the West. Such a joint venture would be a severe blow to the intolerant and ignorant ectremists on both sides… and who better to show leadership and spearhead this effort than President Barack Obama. When he entered office as the leader of the American empire, as well as the “free world”, he had made it his personal mission and governmenty policy objective, to reach out to the Muslim Ummah, both Shiite and Sunni, with a hand of friendship.

President Obama should contact King Abdullah Bin-Abd-al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudia Arabia and make this proposal…today! I am sure he can get it done as he is a Nobel Laureate for Peace!

The recent ban on bras and beard shaving in Somalia by Somali terrorist groups cannot go unquestioned. The reports that we have is that the warring Islamic gang of Hezb-ul Islam banned women from wearing bras. So too, men are not allowed to shave their beards except trimming their mustaches. Likewise, schools were banned from using bells. Instead, they are to clap hands to gather and alert students! What a backward move to this failed state? Why the ban? Using the said things is un-Islamic as per these terrorist groups.

With shock and dismay, I read news that men in Somali capital were given 30 days to mandatory grow beards and trim their mustaches. So too, I was shocked to learn that the same terrorist group Hezb-ul Islam ordered women not to wear bras. More so, these morose terrorists banned people from watching the just ended world cup matches in South Africa! The act they termed as madness! Whimsically, this current razzmatazz sort of fundamentalism puts Islam up a gum tree. The edict to this effect read as: “Men are ordered to grow their beards and trim their mustaches and anyone found violating this law will face consequence.”

Interestingly though, many people are querying, what’s the hidden agenda behind all this in the name of Islam that we have known for many centuries? Are those behind this brand truly educated in Islamic matters or they are just quacks seeking bread under the cover of Islam? And why other so-called Muslim nations have kept mum, while the gavel of the mad is descending down to their religion? We wonder, because for long we came to know the so-called Muslim countries for their noises whenever Islam is touched especially by the West. Are they silent simply because this time around who wrongly touched Islam is their colleague? Other hypocrisy and it‘s contrary to Islam tenets.

“There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.” (Quran, 2:256) .

Strictly speaking, religion must comply with time and be always up to date. Consenting to backward-looking type of Islam is not doing Islam good. Doing this, apart from making Islamic draconic, it makes it archaic and barbaric. It hugely undermines Islam and all those that are being this megalomania should know that in the first place.

Many still wonder, what is the logic of all this violation of human rights? What rises eyebrows is the fact that the same so-called ‘Islamic guardians’ are turning a blind eye to piracy that is becoming an anathema in the region. Who knows? Like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda that have always survived thanks to dealing in drugs, maybe even the same benefits from piracy. That’s why it has comfortably coexisted with piracy. This if anything, is but hypocrisy and cowardice. Why use religion for political gains in lieu of standing on political rostra with a solid political agenda?

Many mad so-called Islamists are making much noises that some countries must be ruled by Islamic law. But they fall short of any precedent to this effect. How many countries did prophet Mohammad leave behind that were ruled by the Quran as they want to rule us now? The answer is convincingly simple and clear. None!

We have heard a lot of noises of people condemning some European countries for banning the burka. But we have nary heard any condemning this neo-nihilism hidden behind Islam. Many so-called Muslim countries are not happy with the move to ban burka. But the same are comfortable with their resistance for churches to be built in their countries! If they can force western women to wear veils when they visit their countries simply because their culture wants that, what is wrong for the West to force them to wear as per western culture when they visit, or live in western countries?

Somali terrorists are lucky. Thanks to being wanted, they don’t travel abroad. Had they, it’d make more sense for one to order them to shave their beards and see how it feels to be forced to do something you don’t like.

The other day I heard somebody saying that the cross is the symbol of curse. Therefore whatever resembles it is un-Islamic. But when I told him to urge his Islamic academicans to burn the use of aeroplanes, he saw how stupid his contention was and thus retracted. It time to engage all those that think they can bring a new brand of Islam today. Western countries should treat the same whoever treats them with contempt.

Hither comes the leeway of negotiating human rights with all so-called Muslim countries that are abusing them. No culture is better than another save in the eyes of the beholders. Arabic culture is good for Arabs and the likes just like the western one is to the westerners and the likes. Human rights are as paramount equal like a human himself. No human is better than another. We all are equal before God and law. Quran says: “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know and honor each other (not that you should despise one another). Indeed the most honorable of you in the sight of God is the most righteous.” (Quran, 49:13)

Today Arab countries, which in essence call themselves Islamic countries, wonder how western countries can allow prostitution, the same way western country view polygamy that’s legal in Islam.

Going back to the ban in Somalia, is this brand of nugatory-Islam, Islamic or barbaric and type of sheer maniac? Isn’t it a cult? Is this Islam or barbarism?

On commenting on the post, “The Selling of Jesus” by thefreeslave, my response got so long winded, as I am known to do, that it became a post in itself.

Lubangakene, you made some valid points in your post and asked some stimulating questions. These questions, which have been asked throughout the ages, I have struggled with myself. I don’t claim to have any of the answers, however I’ll humbly provide my perspective for whatever it’s worth.

I just finished reading “The Forging of the Races: Race and Scripture in the Protestant Atlantic World, 1600-2000” by Colin Kidd. I am now reading “God’s War: A New History of the Crusades” by Christopher Tyerman. Both books discuss historical aspects of westernized Christianity, the Bible, as well as the “Selling of Jesus”, and how it was all politicized by Europeans for imperial expansion at the expense of “peoples of color”. I have also read “Yurugu” by Marimba Ani. She provides certain truthful perspectives on various European ideologies, including as you state, Christianity. I have also read “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins, who contends that a belief in God or any supernatural being for that matter is irrational and details some of the negative effects of religion throughout history. I found all of these books very informative as well as enlightening. I found them even more influential in strengthening my faith and belief that all religious ideology, in this case European Christian ideology, and having a personal relationship with God, are indeed two different things.

However, I don’t base my intellectual or spiritual beliefs solely on European or “westernized” intellectualism. The world is a very diverse place and it’s western arrogance, among both whites and blacks, why they tend to only perceive aspects of life through this prism of western intellectualism. And what do prisms do? They distort light. Intellectual prisms in the same way distorts truth. That is the weakness in Furqan’s statement, as interesting and enlightening as it may appear. The westernized form of Christianity and it’s history that he riles against, is only one perspective among many. It’s not the be all and end all to judge religion or Christianity by. Regardless, if this is indeed what they are selling, then we need to ask ourselves: are we just buying what they are offering or rejecting it thinking that’s all there is? Or are we being conscientious consumers and putting in the work to research what other perspectives are out there, so that we make well informed choices? This takes time and effort and how many of us are willing to make that commitment, sacrifice or responsibility to educate ourselves?

That is why it is so important to not only read, but to read a wide variety of perspectives on any issue. When it comes to religious ideology, I have read the Bible and Quran, as well as many other books which discussed the historical, political, economic and social aspects of a variety of religions. Some of which I mentioned above, but I have also read materials such as “A Black Theology of Liberation” by James Cone and “A Life of Jesus” by Shusaku Endo, who provides a Japanese perspective on Christianity. I am now searching for a book on Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. A long time ago I came to realize that westernized perspectives of Christianity, the Bible and Jesus aren’t the only or even the dominant perspective out in the wider world. Those who think this is the case are limited by their frame of reference, which is based on seeing the world through the prism of western intellectualism.

Not only is it important to read a variety of ideas, it is even more important travel to different places and converse with local people… and not as a tourist on a resort which caters to western sensibilities. One of the life changing trips I went on was my pilgrimage to West Africa. In the places I went and the people I spoke with, there was one thing that was very evident: Africans are spiritual people. I met Muslims, Christians and those who practiced traditional religions. I came away with two profound realizations. One, the westernized ideology and practice of Christianity wasn’t dominant in these cultures. In fact, a lot of traditional beliefs and practices were intertwined in their Christian (as well as Muslim) beliefs and practices. Two, those of African descent who have lost their spirituality or have discarded it in the name of intellectual supremacy (i.e., western based intellectualism), are incomplete… they are lacking a vital aspect of their essence.

“No, the brain is turned off a bit too much with this religion stuff for my liking.”

Lubankagene, I find it ironic that you make this statement while you use as your wordpress gravtar the image of Malcolm X , a religious zealot who practiced a religion that colonized and enslaved Africans well before the Europeans or Christianity. Although we like to glorify the political and social commentary of Malcolm, we tend to conveniently forget (or dismiss), that first and foremost, Malcolm’s message was a religious one. When he was a spokesman for the Nation of Islam, his message was that the way to salvation and freedom for African-Americans was in following the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. When he left the Nation and returned from his pilgrimage to Mecca, he preached that the way to salvation for all was in submitting oneself to Allah and accepting that Mohammed was his prophet. Would you therefore say that all this “religious stuff” Malcolm believed in turned his brain off, or would you argue that it enhanced his political awareness and intellect? What about Martin Luther King? What you also argue that Anna Renee’s, brotherpeacemaker’s, as well as my brain, are turned off because of the “religious stuff” we believe? If the answers are “no”, then I would argue that it’s a choice. Some people choose to use their religious beliefs as an excuse to turn off their brains (intellect), while others use their intellectual beliefs as as excuse to reject their spiritual nature.

Many years ago a friend gave me an audio cassette of a lecture by Dr. Edwin Nichols, a Black clinical psychologist, called “White Supremacy-A Paradigm”. It was based on a lecture he gave entitled: “Philosophical Aspects of Cultural Difference”. One of the points Dr. Nichols made was that European (western) intellectualism divided the mind, heart and soul into separate entities. He mused that was why white people would say things like: “tell me what you think, not what you feel”. For them, they process the world primarily through their intellect, therefore emotions and faith are considered inferior entities and any beliefs or cultures which operated within these realms were also inferior. Rationality and logic is the foundation from which they interact and interdict with each other, as well as with other cultures.

Dr. Nichols states that by contrast, within African culture, as well as most other cultures worldwide, the belief in this type of separation is non-existent. Historically, African cultures were the first to create science, art and religion with no contradictions. Their spirituality and religious beliefs didn’t turn off their brains. In fact it augmented it. Therefore I would argue that those of African descent, who have internalized western intellectual ideology and view the world primarily through it’s prism, also believe in this separation, that the intellect is superior and that if you live by faith, then you have turned off your brains, so to speak.

“No, I struggle reading here the repeated references on this blog to folks needing to “turn to GAWD, turn to Jesus.”

I don’t know if you were following the discussion on the post“Is Satan Speaking and Are you Listening?”by our sister Anna Renee. A commenter, The Precision Afrikan, also struggled with the recent religious content on this blog. I want to highlight a couple parts of my response to him:

This is a space where all views… political, social, secular, as well as religious, are welcomed to be shared, discussed, debated, but most importantly: respected. This is the reason why for example, thefreeslave and I, who have different political and religious beliefs can come and work together here, as well as be good friends. If we had your attitude, this forum would never have been created and we would consider each other enemies.

But you hit the real issue when you state that you became “accustomed to this blog as a primarily secular space to discuss Pan-African political issues from the perspective of reality and the material world, using critical thinking.” I observed the same thing as you and felt the need to expand our topics for discussions and therefore made a conscious effort to include more religious and spiritual perspectives, for we are also a religious and spiritual people, as well as politically and socially conscious. There is no reason why can’t discuss religious and spiritual issues here, even within the framework of what you term: “critical thinking”.

Therefore I say it’s good that you struggle. I struggle most times with the material which is posted here also… some of which I authour! However, read our Mission Statement once again. This forum has always been about sharing, discussing and debating ideas and beliefs. If every time someone comes here, they leave agreeing with everything that was said, then did any of us really learn anything? Our beliefs and perspectives should be challenged in some way, at some time. However, I have also come to realize that there is some risk when you take this position. I read a report recently based on a study which concluded that although the internet theoretically makes it possible to be able to access a variety of informational sources and points of views, most people will frequent sites that reaffirms their beliefs and worldview. Most people are not too open to consider varying beliefs and/or perspectives and are in fact very narrow-minded in their scope of the world.

One of the things I have learnt over the three years that I’ve been involved in blogging, is that it’s easier to claim to be down with exchanging and discussing ideas than it is to actually be committed to doing it! I have had emails from those who consider themselves to be intellectuals and are quick to testify that they are on a journey of enlightenment and self-empowerment, whether political, social and/or religious, who state that they will no longer visit this blog because we allow different points of view to be discussed here! One was upset that I posted articles from members of the black conservative network Project 21.

The question for me becomes, regardless of my personal beliefs, do we refuse to allow others to express their point of view here because we might not agree with their political, social or religious beliefs? Do we take the “us vs. them” position of western intellectualism… that if you don’t believe as I do, then “you’re not for us, you’re against us!” Or do we take a more holistic… and dare I say… “spiritual” approach and acknowledge that as black people, we are not homogeneous in our beliefs and that by listening, discussing and even challenging these beliefs in a respectful manner, we will ultimately become a more empowered and enlightened people. I know… I’m being naive.

“The conflagration that kills first is the one that scorches the gray matter.”

Lubankagene, allow me to build upon your above statement and add a quote from Hamlet:

“There are more things in heaven and earth Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

Walk good Lubankagene. I wish you heaven… whatever that may be for you.

For long I’ve regarded Libyan strongman, Col. Muamar Gadaffi, as a lunatic thanks to his oft-controversial utterances. After the just ended African Union’s annual conference, he was quoted saying things no sane mind can say after his bid to lead this organization for two terms was turned down. He thereof backed off and said he’d turn to the Arab League to get the same. What went on thereafter, nobody knows.

Gadaffi recently proved my take when he created quite a stir averring that Nigeria be halved into two, thanks to religious carnage it recently experienced whereby hundreds of innocent people were savagely butchered. Gadaffi remarks on Nigeria and religious terrorism attracted attention of many more than the first one.

This time, Gadaffi found his match. The speaker of the senate David Mark had this to say about the man and his irresponsible and noxious remarks: “A mad man who said the same thing about England … and he said the same thing about every other country and then you want to give him any prominence at all, truly, in my candid opinion, I don’t think he deserves our attention.”

For a person of Mark’s stature to reach this dressing-down conclusion, Gadaffi verily crossed the red line. Mark is right. How can a sane person insult Nigeria especially at this time it is embroiled in constitutional crisis resulting from the health of its bedridden president surrounded by power brokers? Nigeria’s response to this salvo it called irresponsible did not end up calling Gadaffi a mad man. It also recalled its ambassador from Libya as protest to this megalomania. Many still wonder how such divisive element was made a chair of African Union whilst his solution has always been simple and nugatory.

African dictators have proved to be and rabid out of touch. At the same time, Ugandan strongman averred that donors must stop lecturing him about good governance since he is an expert in the area! He was quoted as thus: “Donor aid should come in areas where Uganda needs development not in governance, I am already an expert in governance, who can again lecture me about governance?” Is Museveni an expert in good governance or bad one? Isn’t this mania really? If anything, Museveni is an expert in but manipulation, intimidation, corruption and what not.

More on Gadaffi. He’s always supported Islam at the peril and dismay of other religions, especially Christianity which he hates the most. In March 2008 when inaugurating the biggest mosque in Uganda he financed, he was quoted as thus: “The Bible we have now is not the one that was revealed to Issa [Jesus] and the Old Testament is not the one that was revealed to Musa. Muhammad is mentioned in both (original versions), but the Torah and Bible we have now, there is no mention of him.”

This simpleton did not end up there. He added in paraphrasing his salvos so as to clearly be understood. He said: “It means that it (Bible) has been forged. Prophet Muhammad was sent to mankind. Allah wanted mankind to have one religion. The Koran that we have is the only book that was sent by Allah. We believe in the Bible as well as the Torah.”

What does Gadaffi’s machination-cum-suggestion mean? Nigeria be divided so that he can fully support the Islamic north to attack Christian south as he was doing in Sudan when it was terrorizing Christian south. However, Gadaffi and the likes must understand. Like Sudan, northern Nigeria has no oil. Therefore attempting this suttee will nary help any Nigerians even if Muslims can be easily lulled into this gin.

When this self conscripted Islamic crusader- in-chief puked his puerile wisdom, many religious people in Uganda frontally confronted him by hitting back, reminding him how the book he thinks authentic is a poetic copy of the one he castigates.

Gadaffi’s Islamic crusade did not start yesterday. In 1978 he supported Idi Amin when he invaded Tanzania. The lesson he got for this insanity has nary escaped his memory. In 2006 Gadaffi was quoted as thus: “We have 50 million Muslims in Europe. There are signs that Allah will grant Islam victory in Europe – without swords, without guns, without conquests. The 50 million Muslims of Europe will turn it into a Muslim continent within a few decades.” This megalomania borders the one once proposed by some stupid immigrants in UK, that UK must be ruled Islamic leader and Koran not by the queen and the constitution.

More on Gadaffi’s Islamic fundamentalism appeared in 2009 in Rome where he went to attend FAO’s conference when he urged 100 Italian beauties to convert in Islam. He said that Jesus came for Jews whilst Mohammad came for everybody. But he forgot one cardinal in the Koran that say that Allah brought Islam in Arabic so that Arabs could understand it. To prove how lunatic the man is, at the end of the lecture of converting to Islam he gave the girls copies of Koran and 50 Euros each. One of them, Silvia Figliozzi, grumbled: ”We were at least expecting a snack.”

Before the furore of halving Nigeria, Gadaffi was at it with Switzerland. He wanted Muslims all over the world to fight the Swiss simply because they denied visas to Libyan officials! He was quoted as thus: “There is a big difference between terrorism and jihad which is a right to armed struggle”. Gaddafi added: “Let us fight against Switzerland, Zionism and foreign aggression”.

We’ve presented as many quotes from Gadaffi to prove how lunatic the guy is. In March last year International Christian Concern (ICC) slapped Gadaffi in the face after revealing how Libyan intelligence tortured Christian converts for weeks. What hypocrisy and double standard! Can such a biased- funky creature have any good lesson for Africa? ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, Jonathan Racho, had this to say: “We call upon Libyan officials to stop torturing the four Christians and release them from detention. Libya must respect the rights of its citizens to worship freely and not to be tortured. We particularly ask the Libyan leader and the current head of the African Union, Mr. Muammar Gaddafi, to set the prisoners free and demonstrate his country’s commitment to respect human rights.”

In a nutshell, this is but a drop in the ocean of Gadaffi’s frenzy. His madness is unearthed when he goes around preaching the United States of Africa chaired by him on the one hand, as he preaches the division of African countries on the other hand.

Importantly, Africa needs to know. Gadaffi is dangerous and, thus, we must keep off from him despite his petrodollar many mumbo jumbos badly need. Indeed Gadaffi needs to have his head examined.

“Brother, to me, there are no Muslims in this world presently except Darfuris. Since the Arab-backed illegitimate regime under Omar Bashir started butchering my people, all we mistook to be Muslims, especially Arabs, became infidels (kaffirs) for not acting.”

These are the sarcastic words by Salih Fur whom I met on plane on my way to Winnipeg from St. John’s early this year. He goes on: “I came to Canada from Egypt where I was called ‘slaves’ and other bad names, simply because I am black.”

Salih was on his way to Toronto and we coincidentally shared a seat. He sadly told me: “Can you believe? Sudan still has black people who regard themselves to be Arabs and discriminate against fellow Africans!” His cry is clear. Muslims, the world over, have betrayed their colleagues in Darfur. This betrayal, according to Salih, has rendered them kaffirs.

I wanted to know further why this was his take. He has good Quran-based reasons. He told me that his people goofed thanks to being referred to as “Ahal Quran” or “the people of book” by Bashir. Little did they know it was a ploy he used to fool them as they refrained from pursuing modern education! They heavily regret his lie.

Salih seems to be good at this holy book of Muslims thanks to verses he gave me.When I arrived home, I touched base with another friend from Darfur, a Mr. Etahir. This guy -I met also in Canada-, hates everything Islamic and Arabic. He was born and raised a true Muslim till 2005, when he survived beatings in Cairo simply because he was black, and thus, slave, as per Arab take of black people. Therefore, was not supposed to attend prayers. Infuriated and badly injured at heart, he kissed Islam good-bye.

[49:11] O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or make fun of your names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors.

James, a Darfur Christian convert, too was born and raised Muslim. But when Arab-sponsored Janjaweed started killing his people as they uttered “Allah Akbar!” (God is great), he reverted to Christianity. There are many such incidents reminiscent to Darfur people.